There’s been massive death surrounding the latest release from Finland’s ROTTEN SOUND. Not only does the album cover bring to mind the suicide of writer Hunter S. Thompson, but also NASUM frontman Miesko Talaczyk – who co-produced the album – was killed by the tsunami that ravaged Asia recently. Tragedies aside, “Exit” is a brutal manifestation of aggression and hatred and it’s also a major achievement.

Whether you’re downing the blistering riffs of “Burden,” digesting the incredible rhythms of “Soil,” or enjoying the bludgeoning drums of “Maggots,” it’s apparent that the band has progressed since “Murderworks.” Naturally, because this is unabashed Grindcore, the songs are short bursts of speed and hate – so, fans of PIG DESTROYER, NASUM and the like will be easily pleased with the ruminations of ROTTEN SOUND. If anything, I wish it was slightly longer, but I can hardly complain when the band traipse through song after song with ease. Fortunately, “Exit” by no means feels forced or complacent. ROTTEN SOUND hasn’t reinvented the wheel here, but “Exit” is an album that can stand up to output from the heavy-hitters of the genre and come out relatively unscathed. (Online May 8, 2005)